Yamaha MG12XU Non Powered Mixer - 12 Input - Effects - Optional Rack Kit Available

The Yamaha MG12XU is a highly popular and well-regarded 12-channel analog mixing console, sitting in the middle of Yamaha's compact MG-series mixers. It expands upon the features of the MG10XU, offering more inputs and adding group buses, making it suitable for slightly larger bands, more complex recording setups, or installations where a few more inputs and sub-mixing capabilities are needed. Like other "XU" models in the series, it includes built-in SPX effects and a USB audio interface.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its key features and specifications:

Channels and Inputs:

• Total Channels: 12 input channels.

• Mono Mic/Line Inputs (XLR/TRS Combo Jacks): 6 channels.

  • 4 mono inputs (Channels 1-4): Feature Yamaha's "D-PRE" studio-grade discrete Class-A microphone preamps. These are known for their transparent, natural, and low-noise characteristics, using an inverted Darlington circuit for higher power and lower impedance. They also include:

    • +48V Phantom Power: Switchable, for connecting condenser microphones.

    • PAD Switch: 26 dB attenuation, useful for handling high-level input signals (e.g., from drums or loud guitar amps) to prevent clipping.

    • High-Pass Filter (HPF): 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave, to eliminate unwanted low-frequency rumble.

    • 1-Knob Compressors: On channels 1-4, allowing for easy and effective dynamics control with a single rotary knob.

  • 2 mono/stereo inputs (Channels 5/6 and 7/8): These can accept either a single mono XLR microphone input (with D-PRE preamp, HPF, PAD, but no 1-knob compressor) or stereo TRS line inputs.

• Stereo Line Inputs (TRS/RCA Jacks): 2 dedicated stereo channels (Channels 9/10 and 11/12). Channel 11/12 can also serve as the USB return.

Outputs:

• Stereo Out: 2 x XLR balanced outputs and 2 x TRS balanced outputs for connecting to main PA speakers or recording devices.

• Monitor Out: 2 x TRS outputs for connecting to monitor speakers.

• Phones Out: 1 x 1/4" stereo headphone jack with level control.

• AUX Sends: 2 x TRS outputs (AUX 1 and AUX 2/FX), typically used for monitor mixes or sending signals to external effects processors (AUX 2 is internally routed to the built-in effects).

• GROUP Out: 2 x TRS outputs (GROUP 1 and GROUP 2). This is a key upgrade from the MG10XU, allowing you to sub-mix a group of channels (e.g., all drums or all vocals) to a single stereo pair, offering more control over the overall mix.

Buses:

• 1 Stereo Bus

• 2 GROUP Buses (a significant addition for sub-mixing)

• 2 AUX Buses (one often dedicated to effects)

Processing & Effects:

• Channel EQ:

  • 3-band EQ (High, Mid, Low) on mono channels (1-8): With a sweepable mid-frequency on channels 1-4, offering more precise tonal control.

  • 2-band EQ (High, Low) on stereo channels (9-12).

• High-Grade SPX Digital Effects: Built-in effects processor with 24 programs, including various reverbs, delays, chorus, flanger, phaser, auto-wah, distortion, and more. Effects can be enabled/disabled via a button or an optional footswitch.

• Peak LEDs & Level Meters: For visual monitoring of signal levels to prevent clipping.

USB Audio Interface:

• 2-in/2-out USB Audio Functions: Allows for direct connection to a computer (PC/Mac) for 2-channel recording and playback.

• High Resolution: Supports up to 24-bit / 192 kHz audio quality, making it suitable for quality home studio recording.

• iPad Compatibility: Works with iPad (2 or later) via the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit / Lightning to USB Camera Adapter.

• Bundled Software: Typically includes a download code for Steinberg Cubase AI DAW software for Mac and PC.

Construction & Design:

• Metal Chassis: Rugged and durable all-metal chassis designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use and transport.

• Compact Size: While larger than the MG10XU, it remains relatively compact for a 12-channel mixer.

• Rack-Mountable: An optional rack-mount kit (RK-MG12) is available to install the mixer into a standard equipment rack.

The Yamaha MG12XU is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized bands, live sound venues, houses of worship, or home studios that require more inputs and routing flexibility than a 10-channel mixer can provide, while still benefiting from high-quality preamps, built-in effects, and convenient USB audio recording capabilities.